Smiths Falls infrastructure funding will support watermain upgrades, sewer separation work and future housing growth
SMITHS FALLS — Premier Doug Ford made a stop in Smiths Falls Friday to announce more than $13.3 million in provincial funding for major water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades while also highlighting the community’s new 128-bed long-term care home.
Joined by local officials and MPP John Jordan at the town’s Water Treatment Plant, Ford announced the funding through Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program Health and Safety Water Stream.
The Town of Smiths Falls will receive $13,306,867 for the Smiths Falls trunk watermain upgrade and sewer separation project, part of a broader provincial investment of more than $14 million across Lanark and Frontenac counties.
According to the Province, the project will improve water system reliability and service for approximately 1,380 existing homes while helping support future housing and economic growth in the community.
“Across Ontario, our government is investing in our $236 billion plan to build so we can protect Ontario, keep workers on the job and connect families to the world-class services they rely on,” Ford said in a statement. “Today’s investment will protect homeowners and support the construction of new homes across Lanark and Frontenac counties.”
Mayor Shawn Pankow added, “This $13 million investment enables the town to proceed with critical infrastructure work. By replacing 1.9 kilometres of aged and undersized water infrastructure, we are securing vital water capacity for every home and business in town and adequate hydraulic pressure for our fire suppression needs.”
Pankow said the sewer separation project will also improve wastewater capacity by diverting stormwater away from the wastewater treatment system.
Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s acting minister of infrastructure, said the Province’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program is intended to help municipalities modernize aging systems while supporting growth.
“Through our historic $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we are supporting municipalities and First Nations with the funding they need to expand and improve aging water systems, unlock more housing and lay the foundation for long-term prosperity across Ontario,” McCarthy said.
Broadview stop
While in Smiths Falls, Ford and provincial officials also highlighted the opening of the new Broadview Nursing Home, a redeveloped 128-bed long-term care facility that welcomed its first residents in December 2025.
The Province said the new facility replaces the former Broadview Nursing Centre in Smiths Falls and Hilltop Manor in Merrickville with a modern one-storey home designed around four smaller resident living areas. The building includes dining and activity areas, lounges, secure courtyards, a café, hair salon and multi-faith room.
“(The) announcement means 128 residents in Smiths Falls and eastern Ontario will have access to a world-class long-term care home for decades to come,” Ford said in a separate provincial release.
The Province said the nursing home is expected to support approximately 170 ongoing local jobs, in addition to about 210 jobs created during construction.
MP Jordan said both announcements reflect continued provincial investment in rural and growing communities.
“Through the Health and Safety Water Stream, our government is ensuring residents and businesses have access to safe and reliable water systems,” Jordan said. “Investments like these are essential to supporting growing communities and strengthening them for the future.”
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